African Impact
Through our volunteer programs, we invite you to be more than a tourist - to be a traveller, a conservationist and a humanitarian. Explore, Inspire, Impact.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Marleen is originally from the Netherlands and joined us as a volunteer 3 years ago. She has since spent time managing our community programs in Livingstone, Zambia, and has spent the last few months setting the foundations for our community and conservation work in St Lucia. [Marleen is on the left in the pic]
Here is this morning's update from Marleen:
Hi guys,
Sorry, a bit busy here, and haven't done a daily diary for last week. But with all the developments here, I thought that, instead of giving you a day-to-day account, I'll just give you the important points:
- Everyone is happy on the project at the moment :) (By the end of today, we'll have a group of nine volunteers, which is an exciting number for such a new project!)
- All the vols we have at the moment are on the Orphan Day Care/HIV Education project, so we're now going to the Day Care Center every morning, which is great.
- We started our HIV/AIDS Education Course yesterday. We are using Pastor Zulu's "building," (which is more of a rural hut) and invite people from the community to come and join us. We seem to have people lining up to sign up, which is great. We are using an adjusted version of the syllabus they made in Livingstone, and we go through all the material in six sessions of two hours - three times a week. I think it's an amazing thing to do, and I think the volunteers are all really happy to participate in this. I would like to start giving shorter courses at schools soon as well.
- We also started additional afternoon projects - we are painting a little clinic, making bricks for re-building the whole Day Care Center, and joining a Home Based Care Group. All these activities are new, but seem to be running well.
- Annabel Vere, who was our first volunteer here, is coming back to help us out for a few months. She is very passionate about, and brilliant with the community projects, and will be a great asset to them, especially in this developing stage. She's arriving in a couple of weeks and we're looking forward to having her back!
That's it for now
Marleen
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
We're proud to display the top photo as the winning shot for the month of October from our St Lucia conservation education through photography project! Annabel Vere was one of our very first volunteers at this pioneering project, and here are some of her thoughts on her experience....
Q: Were you given sufficient training in terms of instructions for the tasks and duties you were involved in? If not how could we improve our training and in what areas?
A: I felt that I had the freedom to do my own thing which I believe worked effectively
Q: What were some of the highlights of your placement with us?
A: The people are amazing, the backdrop astounding – the combination leaving you speechless with a smile!
Q: Could you please explain your true feelings and thoughts about this Program? What do you think you gained from your volunteer experience?
A: I gained knowledge of how Zulu rural villages are. I learned a lot about African wildlife, its needs and dangers. I learned about how to use my camera properly and how to photograph animals. I learned about the world heritage sites in South Africa and made lots of gorgeous friends!
Kerry James and Rachael Lonsdale both joined our Victoria Falls lion rehabilitation & community development project as volunteers recently, and here is some of their feedback. This is particularly interesting for any of you who might have concerns about traveling to Zimbabwe for your volunteering experience!
Kerry's feedback:
Q: Did you have any concerns before traveling to Africa? Can you suggest anything more that we could have done to ease these concerns?
A: I was worried about the current situation in Zimbabwe which has not been expressed well on English TV... there really is no danger here!
Q: What were some of the highlights of your placement with us?
A: The lions! Opportunity to go to Antelope Park, Rhino walk, Ellie rides and horse back safari.
Q: At any stage during your time on the program did you feel unsafe? Please explain
A: No
Q: Could you please explain your true feelings and thoughts about this Program? What do you think you gained from your volunteer experience?
A: I’ve really enjoyed my time on this project, I was able to spend a lot more time with the lions than I thought I was going to. I feel I’ve gained a lot from this experience and hope my input has been of help to the project. I look forward to finding out how all three sets of cubs get on in the future.
Rachael's feedback:
Q: What were some of the highlights of your placement with us?
A: The biggest surprise and most brilliant part for me has been working with the lions in such a close-knit team. Not only have I learned more than I ever expected about the animals and their habitat, I’ve also made some brilliant friends and feel as though we’ve all helped to make a difference. Working in the community has been absolutely fantastic and I’ve been proud to be associated with the program. Utterly unforgettable.
Q: How has living in Africa for this period influenced your perspectives and outlook on life?
A: It’s been so interesting coming to Zimbabwe and seeing the truth behind the political farrago and meeting the people behind the headlines. It cannot but inspire you with humility, huge admiration for those keeping on, and the value of family and community.
Q: Could you please explain your true feelings and thoughts about this Program? What do you think you gained from your volunteer experience?
A: It’s just been brilliant – not only have I had an amazing experience myself, I also feel as though I’ve made a worthwhile contribution. To give something back to a place that has given you so much is a real privilege.
These pictures are courtesy of Zoe Cartwright, another recent Kenya Medical Volunteer.
Sarah Weintraub who wrote the article below is not featured in the pictures above.
I am a research student/scientist from the states who also researches the bio-medical aspect of Health Communication, but the majority of the work I do stems of AIDS epidemiology in Africa. African Impact was a great forum for me to gain experience abroad with epidemiology inherent to a certain region of the world, learn technique (both bio-medical and social) in which to deal with such circumstances, work in a variety of locations and contribute to a region of the world that is buckling under the stress of an incurable epidemic.
African Impact provided me with a placement at a hospital (I worked in the ART-AIDS ward only) in the region we stayed in, a volunteer position at an orphanage and a volunteering position at a slum clinic in Nairobi with the ability to participate in home based care outings and other social work aspects.
One thing I really enjoyed about working with African Impact was the malleability of the program curriculum: that is, there was always some degree of flexibility in everything we did. If we saw that needs were present at a school in the slums or with a certain aspect of the volunteering (i.e. feeding program etc.) We could approach a program leader with a plan and often they would express support both mentally and sometimes financially. If you felt your needs were better utilized in a certain area than another after a few days the leaders of the program were always glad to hear your input and facilitate any changes so that you would be in the place where you could best serve the population at large.
I did two service oriented trips: the 1st with African Impact an
Overland trip through Kenya and Uganda refurbishing schools in Uganda and also getting to do a bit of travel/safari (which was ace!) and the 2nd I went into immediately after which was a Medical Placement in Kenya (we stayed at a gorgeous compound- which was friendly, safe, fun and very westernized). The Medical placement has everything you could possibly be looking for even if you are not a doctor, it has the option to establish social initiative programs and work in orphanages, help in schools (in the slums) or even start your own community initiative (teaching, paiting schools). The theme of the organization is best characterized by "Impact through Aid." But I certainly left feeling like I had made an impact and like I was ready to return as soon as I got a chance. The program also leaves time and space for individuals to travel the Masaai Mara, Malindi, Mombasa and other such amazing locations are travel options in Kenya) and on weekends I was never bored.
I always felt safe, cared for, never felt neglected and I was always looked after by the team of administrators there who are young, relatable and an all around great bunch with amazing hearts. I thought traveling to Kenya would be terrifying because It was so far away but I quickly found that all the comforts of home were there (maybe not in the form I was used to them!) and the ones that weren't I soon found that I didn’t need after all.
This program changed my life, allowed me to step out of a society that was just oozing with excess and focus on regions of the world that
needed aid. Since I have been back I dream of Africa almost every night.
Its hard to get that infectious air of freedom (life free from constant cell-phones and laptops) and get back to basics- but not TOO basic as we did have all the comforts of home) out of your head! I made friends that I love and adore, both in and outside of Kenya and I learned more about AIDS/HIV than all my experience combined from previous research studies.
It is eye opening, thought provoking and all around the best travel experience I could have hoped for! Don't miss out!!
Regards,
Sarah
[Sarah Weintraub volunteered with us in Kenya in July and Augst 2007]
Hi Everyone!
Bear with me while this site is still 'under construction' and I get to grips with the ins and outs of personalising our blog space! I just wanted to introduce our blog to you in the mean time and welcome you to our 'daily diary' for project updates, volunteer feedback and the space where we can share up-to-the-minute project developments!
Our next newsletter is due out soon, so if you're not already signed up for it then visit our website and get your name on the list. There's an update on our first lion release, which was kindly presided over by the great British explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes. There are also lots of updates on our other volunteer projects for you to browse through and see what we've been up to in the last few weeks.
Best wishes
Sarah
Update from Marleen Lammers, St Lucia Project Manager
Marleen is originally from the Netherlands and joined us as a volunteer 3 years ago. She has since spent time managing our community programs in Livingstone, Zambia, and has spent the last few months setting the foundations for our community and conservation work in St Lucia. [Marleen is on the left in the pic]Here is this morning's update from Marleen:
Hi guys,
Sorry, a bit busy here, and haven't done a daily diary for last week. But with all the developments here, I thought that, instead of giving you a day-to-day account, I'll just give you the important points:
- Everyone is happy on the project at the moment :) (By the end of today, we'll have a group of nine volunteers, which is an exciting number for such a new project!)
- All the vols we have at the moment are on the Orphan Day Care/HIV Education project, so we're now going to the Day Care Center every morning, which is great.
- We started our HIV/AIDS Education Course yesterday. We are using Pastor Zulu's "building," (which is more of a rural hut) and invite people from the community to come and join us. We seem to have people lining up to sign up, which is great. We are using an adjusted version of the syllabus they made in Livingstone, and we go through all the material in six sessions of two hours - three times a week. I think it's an amazing thing to do, and I think the volunteers are all really happy to participate in this. I would like to start giving shorter courses at schools soon as well.
- We also started additional afternoon projects - we are painting a little clinic, making bricks for re-building the whole Day Care Center, and joining a Home Based Care Group. All these activities are new, but seem to be running well.
- Annabel Vere, who was our first volunteer here, is coming back to help us out for a few months. She is very passionate about, and brilliant with the community projects, and will be a great asset to them, especially in this developing stage. She's arriving in a couple of weeks and we're looking forward to having her back!
That's it for now
Marleen
#permalink Update from Marleen Lammers, St Lucia Project Manager posted by Sarah Graham @ 7:58 AM 0 Comments
Feedback from Annabel Vere, St Lucia Conservation Education through Photography - South Africa
We're proud to display the top photo as the winning shot for the month of October from our St Lucia conservation education through photography project! Annabel Vere was one of our very first volunteers at this pioneering project, and here are some of her thoughts on her experience....
Q: Were you given sufficient training in terms of instructions for the tasks and duties you were involved in? If not how could we improve our training and in what areas?
A: I felt that I had the freedom to do my own thing which I believe worked effectively
Q: What were some of the highlights of your placement with us?
A: The people are amazing, the backdrop astounding – the combination leaving you speechless with a smile!
Q: Could you please explain your true feelings and thoughts about this Program? What do you think you gained from your volunteer experience?
A: I gained knowledge of how Zulu rural villages are. I learned a lot about African wildlife, its needs and dangers. I learned about how to use my camera properly and how to photograph animals. I learned about the world heritage sites in South Africa and made lots of gorgeous friends!
#permalink Feedback from Annabel Vere, St Lucia Conservation Education through Photography - South Africa posted by Sarah Graham @ 4:48 PM 0 Comments
Feedback from our Victoria Falls lion rehabilitation & community project
Kerry James and Rachael Lonsdale both joined our Victoria Falls lion rehabilitation & community development project as volunteers recently, and here is some of their feedback. This is particularly interesting for any of you who might have concerns about traveling to Zimbabwe for your volunteering experience!
Kerry's feedback:
Q: Did you have any concerns before traveling to Africa? Can you suggest anything more that we could have done to ease these concerns?
A: I was worried about the current situation in Zimbabwe which has not been expressed well on English TV... there really is no danger here!
Q: What were some of the highlights of your placement with us?
A: The lions! Opportunity to go to Antelope Park, Rhino walk, Ellie rides and horse back safari.
Q: At any stage during your time on the program did you feel unsafe? Please explain
A: No
Q: Could you please explain your true feelings and thoughts about this Program? What do you think you gained from your volunteer experience?
A: I’ve really enjoyed my time on this project, I was able to spend a lot more time with the lions than I thought I was going to. I feel I’ve gained a lot from this experience and hope my input has been of help to the project. I look forward to finding out how all three sets of cubs get on in the future.
Rachael's feedback:
Q: What were some of the highlights of your placement with us?
A: The biggest surprise and most brilliant part for me has been working with the lions in such a close-knit team. Not only have I learned more than I ever expected about the animals and their habitat, I’ve also made some brilliant friends and feel as though we’ve all helped to make a difference. Working in the community has been absolutely fantastic and I’ve been proud to be associated with the program. Utterly unforgettable.
Q: How has living in Africa for this period influenced your perspectives and outlook on life?
A: It’s been so interesting coming to Zimbabwe and seeing the truth behind the political farrago and meeting the people behind the headlines. It cannot but inspire you with humility, huge admiration for those keeping on, and the value of family and community.
Q: Could you please explain your true feelings and thoughts about this Program? What do you think you gained from your volunteer experience?
A: It’s just been brilliant – not only have I had an amazing experience myself, I also feel as though I’ve made a worthwhile contribution. To give something back to a place that has given you so much is a real privilege.
#permalink Feedback from our Victoria Falls lion rehabilitation & community project posted by Sarah Graham @ 4:29 PM 3 Comments
Feedback from Sarah Weintraub, Kenya Medical Volunteer
These pictures are courtesy of Zoe Cartwright, another recent Kenya Medical Volunteer.
Sarah Weintraub who wrote the article below is not featured in the pictures above.
I am a research student/scientist from the states who also researches the bio-medical aspect of Health Communication, but the majority of the work I do stems of AIDS epidemiology in Africa. African Impact was a great forum for me to gain experience abroad with epidemiology inherent to a certain region of the world, learn technique (both bio-medical and social) in which to deal with such circumstances, work in a variety of locations and contribute to a region of the world that is buckling under the stress of an incurable epidemic.
African Impact provided me with a placement at a hospital (I worked in the ART-AIDS ward only) in the region we stayed in, a volunteer position at an orphanage and a volunteering position at a slum clinic in Nairobi with the ability to participate in home based care outings and other social work aspects.
One thing I really enjoyed about working with African Impact was the malleability of the program curriculum: that is, there was always some degree of flexibility in everything we did. If we saw that needs were present at a school in the slums or with a certain aspect of the volunteering (i.e. feeding program etc.) We could approach a program leader with a plan and often they would express support both mentally and sometimes financially. If you felt your needs were better utilized in a certain area than another after a few days the leaders of the program were always glad to hear your input and facilitate any changes so that you would be in the place where you could best serve the population at large.
I did two service oriented trips: the 1st with African Impact an
Overland trip through Kenya and Uganda refurbishing schools in Uganda and also getting to do a bit of travel/safari (which was ace!) and the 2nd I went into immediately after which was a Medical Placement in Kenya (we stayed at a gorgeous compound- which was friendly, safe, fun and very westernized). The Medical placement has everything you could possibly be looking for even if you are not a doctor, it has the option to establish social initiative programs and work in orphanages, help in schools (in the slums) or even start your own community initiative (teaching, paiting schools). The theme of the organization is best characterized by "Impact through Aid." But I certainly left feeling like I had made an impact and like I was ready to return as soon as I got a chance. The program also leaves time and space for individuals to travel the Masaai Mara, Malindi, Mombasa and other such amazing locations are travel options in Kenya) and on weekends I was never bored.
I always felt safe, cared for, never felt neglected and I was always looked after by the team of administrators there who are young, relatable and an all around great bunch with amazing hearts. I thought traveling to Kenya would be terrifying because It was so far away but I quickly found that all the comforts of home were there (maybe not in the form I was used to them!) and the ones that weren't I soon found that I didn’t need after all.
This program changed my life, allowed me to step out of a society that was just oozing with excess and focus on regions of the world that
needed aid. Since I have been back I dream of Africa almost every night.
Its hard to get that infectious air of freedom (life free from constant cell-phones and laptops) and get back to basics- but not TOO basic as we did have all the comforts of home) out of your head! I made friends that I love and adore, both in and outside of Kenya and I learned more about AIDS/HIV than all my experience combined from previous research studies.
It is eye opening, thought provoking and all around the best travel experience I could have hoped for! Don't miss out!!
Regards,
Sarah
[Sarah Weintraub volunteered with us in Kenya in July and Augst 2007]
#permalink Feedback from Sarah Weintraub, Kenya Medical Volunteer posted by Sarah Graham @ 11:32 AM 0 Comments
Welcome to our African Impact blog!
Hi Everyone!
Bear with me while this site is still 'under construction' and I get to grips with the ins and outs of personalising our blog space! I just wanted to introduce our blog to you in the mean time and welcome you to our 'daily diary' for project updates, volunteer feedback and the space where we can share up-to-the-minute project developments!
Our next newsletter is due out soon, so if you're not already signed up for it then visit our website and get your name on the list. There's an update on our first lion release, which was kindly presided over by the great British explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes. There are also lots of updates on our other volunteer projects for you to browse through and see what we've been up to in the last few weeks.
Best wishes
Sarah
